Kwara Senator Mustapha Mulls Defection From APC To PDP

Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, is reportedly considering leaving the All Progressives Congress for the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Ireporter Online, the senator’s political future has come under renewed scrutiny following his unsuccessful bid in the APC governorship primary, his inability to secure the party’s Kwara Central senatorial ticket and reported disagreements within the ruling party.

Sources familiar with the development said discussions about a possible defection to the PDP have intensified in recent days, although no final decision has reportedly been reached.

There are also indications that the PDP could consider giving Mustapha its Kwara Central senatorial ticket if he eventually joins the opposition party. Such a move could potentially set up a fresh political contest between Mustapha and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is expected to contest the senatorial seat on the APC platform.

Speculation surrounding Mustapha’s possible defection increased after a comment attributed to the PDP’s Kwara Central senatorial candidate, Yinka Otukoko, suggested that the party’s ticket could be available to either Saliu Mustapha or another aspirant.

The statement, however, was later disowned by the Kwara State chapter of the PDP, which said Otukoko’s WhatsApp account had previously been compromised and that the comment did not represent the official position of the party.

The controversy has nevertheless fuelled speculation about possible political negotiations between Mustapha and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.

A recent meeting between Mustapha and former Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Ilorin International Airport has also added to the political speculation, although the details of their discussion remain unclear.

A PDP source described the reported negotiations as exploratory, stressing that the situation remained fluid.

According to the source, Mustapha was considering several factors, including his future in the APC and the prospects of retaining the Kwara Central Senate seat.

Political discussions involving members of the G15 group and the Saraki political structure have also reportedly taken place, with claims that possible senatorial arrangements are being considered.

A public affairs analyst, Abdulrasaq Olanrewaju, said the development highlights the importance of political alliances and numerical strength ahead of the 2027 elections.

He noted that if Mustapha eventually defects to the PDP and secures the party’s senatorial ticket, the move could significantly alter the political equation in Kwara Central.

Olanrewaju argued that the APC could face challenges if influential politicians and their structures leave the party, while the PDP could gain strategically from such a realignment.

Meanwhile, Mustapha’s camp has reportedly confirmed that different political options are being considered, although it has stopped short of confirming a planned defection.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the uncertainty surrounding Mustapha’s next political move is expected to generate further debate within Kwara’s political circles as parties position themselves for the coming electoral contest.